Challenge Daytona confirms plans for race in December

Governor congratulates organizers of event at the famous Daytona International Speedway scheduled for December 4 to 6

Photo by: Jose Luis Hourcade

Kevin Mackinnon August 18, 2020

In a letter to athletes and spectators posted on the Challenge Daytona website, Challenge North America CEO Bill Christy “personally communicate(d) our plans and progress.”

“The CHALLENGEDAYTONA Festival is unique from other triathlon or endurance events because of the venue and our relationship with Daytona International Speedway,” Christy continued. “We are grateful for this partnership with the speedway, which allows us to control our outdoor environment and gives us the ability to screen all of the athletes, vendors, spectators, volunteers, and staff who enter the facility through one location. We are fortunate to have access to a depth of resources and experience from one of the world’s top event producers.”

“CHALLENGEDAYTONA Festival will take place December 4^th – 6^th 2020. This includes a live streamed professional race on Sunday, December 6, 2020. While the race experience will be different from years past, we will host a race which athletes, spectators and vendors will enjoy participating in and will exceed your expectations. We continue to collaborate with area hoteliers, restaurants and attractions in and around Daytona Beach who stand ready to host you.”

Christy isn’t the only one who is excited about the upcoming event – today the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, posted a congratulatory tweet:

Congrats to Daytona International Speedway and Challenge Daytona for hosting the December 4-6 2020 PTO Professionals from all over the world to compete for the $1 million dollar prize purse during the Challenge Daytona family festival weekend of races. Enjoy Florida!

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 18, 2020

Related: Starykowicz and Sanders ride 49 kph bike splits at Challenge Daytona

The busy weekend of racing will include:

Middle distance individual, relay, duathlon and aquabike
Junior Challenge
Sprint distance triathlon and duathlon
5K and 10K walk or run
Pro Am “Under the Lights”
100K Pro Race

In April the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) announced that it would be offering a US$1 million prize purse at the event, which will be designated the PTO Middle Distance World Championship.

Paula Findlay and Lionel Sanders celebrate at the finish line set up in Daytona International Speedway’s iconic pit row. Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade.

Last year’s race served as a big one for Canadians – the race was won by Lionel Sanders and Paula Findlay.